Volunteer Rights

Both volunteers and the organisations they work with have rights and responsibilities. Volunteers are engaged to perform a specific job and the organisation agrees to provide the volunteer with a worthwhile and rewarding experience. In return, each has the right to some basic expectations of the other.

Volunteers have the right to:

• Be treated as co-workers. This includes job descriptions, Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health & Safety, anti-discrimination legislation and organisational grievance processes.
• Be asked for their permission before any job-related reference, police or other checks are conducted.
• A job or task worthwhile to them, for no more than 16 hours a week on a regular basis in one role.
• Know the purpose and "ground rules" of the organisation.
• Appropriate orientation and training for the job.
• Be kept informed of organisational changes and the reasons for the changes.
• A place to work and suitable tools for the job.
• Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
• Be heard and make suggestions.
• Personal accident insurance (in place of workers compensation insurance).
• A verbal reference or statement of service, if appropriate.

Organisations have the right to:

• Receive as much effort and service from a volunteer as a paid worker, even on a short-term basis.
• To select the best volunteer for the job by interviewing and screening all applicants. This might include reference and police checks and, where appropriate, a prohibited employment declaration for roles that involve working directly with children.
• Expect volunteers to adhere to their job descriptions/outlines and the organisation's code of practice.
• Expect volunteers to undertake training provided for them and observe safety rules.
• Make the decision regarding the best placement of a volunteer.
• Express opinions about poor volunteer effort in a diplomatic way.
• Expect loyalty to the organisation and only accept constructive criticism.
• Expect clear and open communication from the volunteer.
• Negotiate work assignments.
• Release volunteers under certain circumstances.